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model

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adjective

model

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun model differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of model are example, exemplar, ideal, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When could example be used to replace model?

The meanings of example and model largely overlap; however, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to model?

The synonyms exemplar and model are sometimes interchangeable, but exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

When might ideal be a better fit than model?

The words ideal and model are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

In what contexts can pattern take the place of model?

Although the words pattern and model have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of model
Noun
Weizenbaum modelled his program on Rogerian—a.k.a. person-centered—psychotherapy, in which the therapist provides unconditional support for the patient with minimal intervention. Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 Atmospheric scientists model it as a standing wave pattern in a fast polar jet, with wind speeds of roughly 300–330 mph circling a hurricane-like vortex at the pole. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
And why wouldn’t we, when the movie treats Manchester as a model dad in all respects but the law-breaking one? Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025 Another commissioned an all-white model, then handed it off to an artist for four days of hand-painting. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
AIs also require a lot of energy during training, a fraction of which might be counted against any single request made to the model post-training. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025 The risk assessment seeks to conclude whether the brothers — who for decades have been model prisoners who have focused on helping other inmates heal trauma— now pose an unreasonable risk to public safety if they are released. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • But the law of plantation reproduction revolved around profit.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
  • De Souza, a journalist in Philadelphia, now wishes that class had included the basics of fertility and reproduction.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Students also get to use high-tech mannequins that simulate childbirth, and safely practice vital training in a realistic environment.
    Shawn Price, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The flourishes of humor at Williams and Holmes’ house, such as a mannequin of Puente out front, can sometimes be polarizing for people given Puente’s crimes.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Find step-by-step guidance for launching your first business, from testing your idea to growing your revenue.
    Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Anyhow, that is his idea for now.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The breakfast menu also offers classic egg white omelets, a grits bowl and a duck-fat poached flank steak and eggs.
    Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The lineup of festivities includes an exciting schedule of concerts, classic rides, carnival games and over 25 brand-new food items to indulge in, from new takes on fair favorites to trendy items like Dubai chocolate and Mike's Hot Honey.
    Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Rather, reliable rolling-waves moves, predictably unpredictable, patterned but not in a way that repeats.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025
  • However, if the fertility patterns from before the Great Recession had continued, experts would have predicted that 5.7 million of those women would have had children.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Potted mums range from $5 for miniatures to $8 for regular-sized.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Batch tabletop miniatures for a weekend campaign, produce cosplay armor sections that fit together cleanly, or prototype brackets and housings for clients with consistent results.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hansson estimates that some 1 million people likely own cryptocurrency already in Michigan, though, no exact figure exists.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The announcement of the series comes after Paramount condemned a petition in which nearly 4,000 industry figures — including Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix — pledged not to work with Israeli film institutions over the ongoing war in Gaza.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Casting black actors as Anglo-Saxon nobles is only the most in-your-face example of this problem.
    Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • For example, blood flukes in sea turtles can lead to range of inflammatory reactions in their vascular system severe enough to strand or kill them.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.

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